January 30 - In the UK, a new safety system at the Dartford River Crossing of the River Thames, east of London, is being introduced by the Highways Agency aimed at vehicles that are over height or carrying abnormal loads.

The system, which is expected to be introduced from April 2015, is designed to identify potentially problematic HGVs on approach to the northbound Dartford Tunnel, and use various detectors to identify the vehicles, signs to encourage drivers to get into the correct lane in good time, and barriers and traffic signals to control them - bringing them to a safe stop and turning them around if necessary.

Until November 2014, unsuitable vehicles were identified by staff at toll booths, which have now been replaced with a free-flow charging system.

Drivers who fail to follow the new signs and use the correct lanes could receive fines or points on their licence.

www.gov.uk